The Yamaha France GMT94 Michelin Yamalube Team delivered an incredible performance yesterday, taking second in the World Endurance Championship’s opening round, The Bol d’Or at the Magny Cours circuit in France. Regular GMT riders David Checa, Kenny Foray and French Supersport rider Mathieu Gines, were joined by Lucas Mahias as a fourth rider on the Yamaha YZF-R1 for the gruelling 24hr endurance race.
The seasoned team of racers were never outside the top three for the entire 24hrs of the race, starting from second on the grid they battled through both wet and dry conditions to keep control of their podium fight. As the race entered the night the team took the lead and looked strong enough to hold the front for a race win until a rain shower and subsequent wet track caused a crash ahead of them, slowing them up and costing valuable time.
The team had their own share of drama, Kenny Foray crashed out with the R1 in the difficult conditions but was able to re-join and bring the bike back to the team of mechanics. The crew were able to deliver the necessary repairs in record time, getting next rider David Checa back out and into the action. The Superstock class saw a mirror of success for Yamaha with riders Loic Bardet, Cyril Carrillo and Johan Nigon bringing the Yamaha Viltaïs YZF-R1 home in second place in their class. The Monster Energy Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) were not so lucky and had to retire before the end. Rider Wayne Maxwell crashed out on the slippery track, breaking his leg in the process.
